'Ferrari defines strategy and takes grid penalty in 2024'

According to rumours, it was Honda and Mercedes that chose to set the number of engines per season at three. By doing so, they hope that Ferrari and Renault will run into reliability problems this season.

Last season, four were allowed (with 22 races in a year) and grid penalties were common. Ferrari say it is virtually impossible for an engine to last eight weekends.

The engines are made to last around 6,000 kilometres, but by 2024 - when only three engines are used - they should run 7,500 kilometres. The risk of an engine breaking and losing precious World Championship points is reportedly considered too great. Therefore, Ferrari's starting point is as good as certain: deploying four engines.